Media Buying agencies.
Media Buying is the discipline of planning and purchasing paid media across channels (TV, OOH, print, radio, cinema, digital, programmatic, retail media) on behalf of an advertiser. It is distinct from PPC (search), Paid Social (Meta/TikTok/LinkedIn), and Programmatic (DSP-led automated buying), all of which usually sit inside a fuller media plan rather than alongside it.
- 31 UK agencies offering media buying
- Across 11 UK locations
- Reviewed 17 May 2026
PHD Media, a London-based agency, specialises in strategic communications and media planning services. They excel in media purchasing, digital marketing, and data analytics, all geared towards helping brands connect efficiently with their desired audiences. PHD Media's unique selling point is their innovative use of data-driven insights to craft powerful campaigns. They predominantly serve sectors
Mediahub, a London-based agency, specialises in strategic media planning and buying, merging human insight with data-led strategies. Their core services encompass the creation of media strategies, cross-channel media procurement, and bespoke advertising solutions, customised to align with each client's unique requirements. What sets Mediahub apart is their emphasis on integrating human expertise w
Performics is a London-based agency specialising in holistic performance marketing strategies designed to optimise business results throughout the complete customer decision journey. The firm's core services encompass performance media, content generation, strategic planning and insights, along with analytics and technology solutions. The unique selling point of Performics lies in their intent-dri
Spark Foundry, a London-based agency, delivers an extensive assortment of media and marketing solutions, tailored to expedite business expansion. They specialise in areas such as media strategising and procurement, data and technological innovation, analytics and insights, e-commerce, CRM, consumer marketing, and marketplace intelligence. Spark Foundry's unique selling point is their proficiency i
Saatchi & Saatchi, a prominent agency based in London, specialises in providing inventive marketing and advertising services. They excel in crafting compelling campaigns for renowned brands such as Waitrose, John Lewis, and EE, with a primary focus on narrative-driven consumer engagement. The agency's unique selling point centres on their dedication to inclusivity within the industry, demonstrated
Essence Global, a London-based agency, provides data-informed, digital-centric media solutions. Recognised for its proficiency in leveraging analytics and technology, the agency excels in crafting bespoke advertising strategies across diverse platforms. Essence Global aids brands in enhancing their media investment for optimal efficiency and significant impact. Serving a broad spectrum of sectors,
Jellyfish is an integrated global digital marketing business founded in 2005 and headquartered at The Shard in London. Since June 2023 it has been part of The Brandtech Group, uniting media, creative and data through technology and generative AI.
Independent media agencies: SME cross-channel £2,000-7,500/mo · mid-market £7,500-20,000/mo · larger accounts £15,000-30,000+/mo. Holding-group networks: meaningful retained support £10,000-30,000+/mo · multi-channel enterprise £25,000-100,000+/mo. Commission models: typically 5-15% of spend on larger or execution-led accounts, 10-20% on smaller accounts. Hybrid (base retainer plus % above a threshold) is now the most common 2026 model. Trading desk / execution-only fees usually layered on top.
1-3wk brief, audience and KPI definition, initial channel hypothesis · 1-2wk plan refinement and stakeholder approval · 1-3wk trading and setup (IOs, programmatic builds, tracking, creative trafficking) · launch within days of final sign-off. First pacing read 1-2 weeks post-launch, first formal optimisation report 2-4 weeks in. Always-on cadence: daily delivery checks, weekly optimisation, monthly business review, quarterly planning reset. Complex enterprise or multi-channel launches run 8-12+ weeks.
- · Will not state in writing whether the agency acts as agent or principal on each channel, or refuses to disclose principal-trading margin
- · No AVB / rebate / vendor incentive clause in the contract, or wording that lets the agency retain undisclosed media-owner rebates
- · No audit rights for the advertiser, including no access to invoices, supply-path data, or holding-company-level rebate records
- · Digital supply chain (DSP, SSP, data, verification, trading desk fees) not separated from media cost in reporting
- · Reluctant to commit to ISBA Framework Agreement principles or IPA contract recommendations as a baseline
- · Pure percentage-of-spend pricing with no flat-fee or hybrid option, and no commitment to outcome metrics alongside delivery
- · Trading desk or proprietary inventory recommended as default without an independent benchmark
Media Buying agencies by city.
Media Buying agencies for specific industries.
What brands ask about media buying agencies.
5 questions our editors get most often, answered honestly. No agency-marketing speak.